# MyScript Notes vs Penbook

The clearest difference is rating: MyScript Notes at 4.7 against Penbook's 4.5. MyScript Notes also leads on review sentiment (66% vs 58%). Penbook's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 10 days). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MyScript Notes sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Penbook sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MyScript Notes holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 39K and 45K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of MyScript Notes's written reviews are positive against 58% of Penbook's.

MyScript Notes ships an update every 10 days, Penbook every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | MyScript Notes | Penbook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (39K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/myscript-notes-ai-handwriting/id1119601770/reviews)** | [4.5 (45K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penbook-paper-planner-and-notes/id1473064295/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 39K | **45K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.1% of reviews** | 57.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 266 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MyScript](https://appshunter.io/developer/446368119) | [User Camp Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1473063859) |

## What reviewers say

### MyScript Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/myscript-notes-ai-handwriting/id1119601770)

Transform handwritten notes into editable text with advanced AI. Brainstorm on an infinite canvas, annotate PDFs, and create structured documents. Supports 66 languages and works across devices.

**Highlights:** AI handwriting recognition, Infinite canvas for brainstorming, PDF annotation, Handwriting to typed text conversion, Math equation recognition, Multi-language support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MyScript Notes – Full Access | $1.99 | per month |
| MyScript Notes – Full Access | $7.99 | per year |
| PDF Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Connect Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Essentials Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Full version | $9.99 | one-time |
| Nebo Pro | $9.99 | one-time |
| Full version | $14.99 | one-time |
| MyScript Notes – Full Access | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent handwriting recognition
- 👍 Intuitive and responsive interface
- 💡 Useful gestures and shortcuts
- 🚀 Fast conversion of handwriting to text
- 👍 Ability to organize notes in notebooks and collections

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Issues with syncing and data loss
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior with formatting and editing
- 💡 Lack of keyboard support and text editing features
- 💡 Limited customization options for paper styles and fonts

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when importing large documents
- Handwriting recognition fails for certain symbols and abbreviations
- Formatting issues when converting handwritten notes to text
- Sync issues leading to data loss across devices
- Inability to move or rearrange pages within notebooks

**Requested features**

- Add support for keyboard input and text editing
- Improve syncing and backup functionality
- Introduce more customization options for paper styles and fonts
- Enhance diagram and equation handling capabilities
- Implement better collaboration and sharing features


### Penbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penbook-paper-planner-and-notes/id1473064295)

Create custom digital notebooks with a vast library of stationery or import your own PDFs for annotation. Write naturally with a stylus and organize your notes with dynamic features like live planners and searchable handwriting.

**Highlights:** Live Paper dynamic stationery, Over 400 stationery types, Import and annotate PDFs, Natural handwriting with stylus, Searchable handwritten notes, Shape recognition, Customizable notebook covers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Penbook Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Penbook Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Penbook Premium | $14.99 | per year |
| Penbook Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Penbook Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Penbook Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Penbook Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime (Loyalty) | $29.99 | one-time |
| Penbook Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Penbook Premium Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |
| Penbook Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎨 Variety of customization options for notebooks
- 📝 Smooth writing experience with Apple Pencil
- 🗓️ Useful calendar integration
- 💡 Innovative features like washi tape and stickers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and data loss issues
- 🔒 Lack of password protection or locking feature
- 🔧 Glitchy zooming and ruler functionality
- 🧭 Poor notebook and page management
- 💰 Restrictive free version, expensive subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Sticker resizing issues causing app freezes
- Ruler placement and alignment problems
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between pages
- Calendar sync not working as expected
- PDF import and annotation functionality not reliable

**Requested features**

- Allow custom notebook covers or images
- Add text box and typing capabilities
- Improve organization with folders or tags
- Provide more customization options for templates
- Implement a more intuitive undo/redo system


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MyScript Notes free?

MyScript Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Penbook free?

Penbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MyScript Notes or Penbook?

MyScript Notes is rated higher. MyScript Notes averages 4.7 out of 5 from 39K ratings, while Penbook averages 4.5 from 45K ratings.

### Do MyScript Notes or Penbook have ads?

Neither MyScript Notes nor Penbook shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MyScript Notes or Penbook?

MyScript Notes ships an update every 10 days, and Penbook every 5 days. Most recently, MyScript Notes was updated on October 15, 2026 and Penbook on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*